2023-07-15 - The Berkeley Times

Golden Eagle Athlete And Scholar Takes Off

County’s 1st Recreational Cannabis Shop Opens

By Chris Christopher BERKELEY

- Put a lacrosse stick in Hannah Lewis’ hands and there’s excellence.

Put a soccer ball at her feet and there’s excellence.

Put a football in her hands and there’s excellence.

Put a textbook in front of

her and there’s excellence.

Put a computer in front of her and there’s excellence.

By now, you probably get the idea - the recent Central Regional High School graduate is excellent in all that she does.

Take lacrosse for example.

All the attack did was turn the Golden Eagles’ record book into her biography, setting school records in career points (353), single-season points (123), career goals (320), single-season goals (110), single-season ground balls (98), career ground balls

GOP Leaders Endorse Democrat Prosecutor

By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER

Breaking the mold of traditional partisan politics, the Ocean County Commissioners have asked Governor Phil Murphy to reappoint Bradley D. Billhimer to a second five-year term as the county’s prosecutor.

All five members of the Ocean County Board of Commis -

-

sioners are prominent Republicans; Billhimer is a Democrat.

During a recent meeting, the Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution requesting Murphy to consider Billhimer’s reappointment. The resolution highlighted Billhimer’s commitment to justice and his efforts to address the evolving needs of Ocean County. It

praised his establishment of various community outreach programs, including Ocean County Cares and the Escape the Vape Taskforce, as well as his initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic.

Billhimer’s work in strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the faithbased community was

(260), single-season draw controls (108) and career draw controls (289). As a senior, she added 13 assists, 87 ground balls, 90 draw controls and 39 forced turnovers. Lewis, whose freshman season was lost to the COVID-19

(Athlete - See Page 4)

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY

– The first recreational cannabis store to open in Ocean County is expected to bring in tons of money for the town and give back to the community.

The Social Leaf opened on Route 9 in South Toms River, the first of its kind locally since New Jersey allowed the recreation-

al sale of cannabis to those 21 and older. When you walk in, someone asks you for your driver’s license to verify your age. There’s a South Toms River officer working all hours and there are other security measures in place. The store had a soft opening on July 6, with the full opening on July 7.

(Cannabis - See Page 5)

Bee Queen Teaches Her Subjects About Pollinators

By Chris Lundy CREAM RIDGE

– The local student known as the Honey Bee Queen is being crowned with other titles and awards for her work in studying parasites that are impacting the bee populations.

Kaitlyn Culbert, a student in Toms River High School North, was presented the President’s Youth

DIRECT CREMATION $1995

Includes: arrangement conference, removal from place of death, alternative container Batesville ccbmdfc, transfer to crematory, crematory fee

“We are dedicated to exceeding expectations and delivering a standard of service that is 100% guaranteed.”

Photo by Chris Lundy The Social Leaf is Ocean County’s first recreational cannabis shop.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer at a recent presentation given to high school and college students about the dangers of bias crimes.

Environmental Award from the U.S.

Photo courtesy NJ Honey Queen Program

4-H students worked at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bee Yard in Cream Ridge to understand the struggles facing pollinators.

Hannah Lewis advances the ball toward the goal for the Central Regional High School Golden Eagles.

Photo courtesy Mike Franco

(GOP - See Page 5)

(Bee Queen - See Page 5)

Athlete: Continued From Page 1

pandemic, played three varsity seasons.

She capped her career with Shore Conference Class A South Player of the Year, first-team AllOcean County, first-team All-Shore and thirdteam All-Group IV honors.

Take soccer for another example.

She erupted for a Shore Conference high 23 goals and added three assists as a senior. She was named the Class A South Player of the Year, the Ocean County Player of the Year, first-team All-Shore, first-team Class A South, first-team All-Ocean County, third-team All-Group IV and among the top 20 players in the Central Region of New Jersey. And she was honored as the Golden Eagles’ Most Valuable Player.

And for yet another example, she earned All-Shore honors, starring at quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back as a member of her school’s first-year club flag football team. She tossed three touchdown passes, caught eight touchdown passes and made four interceptions. Lewis excelled in lacrosse and flag football although the sports were played simultaneously during the spring.

Despite keeping a pace that would exhaust an Olympic marathon champion, Lewis starred in the classroom as she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the Science Honor Society, the English Honor Society and the History Honor Society as a sophomore, junior and senior.

Ranked in the top three percent of her class, Lewis graduated with a 104.3 grade point average.

“I managed to do well both in the classroom and on the field by maintaining a healthy balance between my studies and training,” Lewis said. “I take school very seriously and always put academics first. However, my constant drive to complete assignments without procrastination allowed me to have more time and freedom to train and also focus on athletics. Doing well in the classroom and on the field was definitely tough, but staying focused and constantly working hard helped me see success in both areas.”

Lewis began her day around 4:30 a.m.

“I managed my time by waking up early so that I could get in the gym each day before school,” she said. “I was always super busy after school with practices, games and homework. I got my lifts and runs in during early mornings.”

Lewis lives by the slogan, “Prove all wrong.” One of her coaches, Lauren Koenig, provided her with the words, which adorn a bracelet she wears. Koenig presented Lewis with the bracelet as a graduation gift.

“It has played a big role in all of my success,” Lewis said. “I wish I had the bracelet with me for my whole career. It’s a good reminder to have - to never let others bring me down. She never let me doubt myself. She always gave me confidence. She always had my back.”

Central lacrosse coach Cayla Linfante is impressed with Lewis’ mental makeup.

“Hannah is so successful because she is determined and works hard toward achieving her goals,” Linfante said. “She sees either a challenge or an obstacle and rises to the challenge. She continues to perfect her craft and works hard during the offseason.”

Lewis will be missed.

“The legacy she leaves is her love of the sport, her desire to be great and the support of her teammates,” Linfante said. “Her leadership, compassion and drive will be greatly missed on and off the field.”

“I am glad I was able to bring a good name to Central lacrosse,” Lewis said. “I am glad I was able to inspire other girls to try playing it. There is no feeder program here. I am sure there are a ton of girls who will love it

if they try playing it.”

The Golden Eagles won a program record 16 games and lost four during Lewis’ senior season. Lewis, senior middie Riley Coltenback and senior goalie Evelyn Rauscher captained the team, second in Class A South at 6-1 in 2022.

Recruited as an attack, Lewis will continue her career at James Madison University, winner of the NCAA Division I Tournament in 2018. She chose the Dukes over Rutgers University, the University of Connecticut, Boston University, Stanford University and Hofstra University. She will study kinesiology. Lewis exploded for four hat tricks and seven multigoal matches during her senior season on the soccer field last fall.

“The key to my success during my senior year was the positive, family-like atmosphere that my coaches (head coach Marykate Sullivan and assistant coach Carly Setaro) created,” Lewis said. “I received support from my family and teammates and constant encouragement and motivation from my coaches. They never let me put my head down. They always supported and pushed me.”

Lewis was chosen the Ocean County Player of the Year by a unanimous vote of the Shore Conference Soccer Coaches Association. She netted three goals as a junior and two goals and two assists as a sophomore.

“It was super crazy leading the Shore Conference in goals because I definitely hadn’t had an established soccer career going into my senior season,” she said. “And this season was so special because I just let myself have fun and in doing so put up some awesome numbers. I helped my team have an incredibly successful season, which was most important to me.

“Everyone on the team was so close with one another. We did psyches before every game and took part in pasta parties before every game. We just all had each other’s backs.”

Sullivan was impressed with Lewis’ play during her senior year.

“She earned this honor as she had an incredible breakout season,” Sullivan said. “She always demonstrated good sportsmanship and was extremely humble, which made her a perfect candidate for this honor.”

Lewis, a forward, senior forward Christina Jimenez, junior defender Lindsay Smith and senior goalkeeper Allyson Smith captained the Golden Eagles to their first winning season since 2015.

“Hannah helped put Central soccer back on the map,” Sullivan said. “She also inspired all of the underclassmen and taught them the true meaning of hard work. She began the season as not one of our starting 11 players - crazy, I know. She put in the work every single day at practice until she proved us coaches wrong.”

Central flag football coach Billy Kvalheim said it did not take Lewis long to excel.

“She picked up on things very quickly,” he said. “Lacrosse took priority because it is a varsity sport, but she was a game changer when she was able to get here. She attacked the ball as a defender and was athletic enough to throw and catch the ball. She was very coachable. She was positive with her teammates and a great role model for the younger girls on the team. My wife was her head coach in lacrosse at Central for two years and she always said how coachable and athletic Hannah was. It’s a blessing that I had the opportunity to coach Hannah Lewis.

“Hannah will go down as one of the best athletes to come through Central Regional High School. She loves competing and gives back to the community. She is a positive influence on everybody she is around.”

Cannabis:

Continued

From Page 1

They were ready earlier than that. The state took a while to give them a permit, said co-owner John Earp, who also owns Bubby’s Beanery not too far away in downtown Toms River. In fact, all of the delays they had were due to Trenton red tape. All the co-owners said South Toms River has been wonderful to work with.

“They’ve been as helpful as can be,” said Thomas Marino, CEO and one of the founders. He also owns Signature barbershops. He said the state took 41 days to get the OK. He knows this figure without having to look it up. They were waiting day by day for the approval to open.

Mayor Oscar Cradle said that the town will be getting $5,000 a year

GOP:

Continued From Page 1 also commended. Additionally, the prosecutor’s focus on bias prevention and his collaboration with numerous organizations for public safety and education in Ocean County were recognized.

The resolution passed by the Ocean County Commissioners includes references to Billhimer’s commitment to school-aged children. He and his team have conducted over 145 presentations in more than 70 schools during the 2022-

from the business plus 2 percent of its net profits.

“That’s going to help a town our size quite a bit,” he said.

The business partners met with town officials and the process was very smooth.

“We made a commitment to hire in town as much as possible,” Earp said.

“We carry as many brands as we possibly can. There 30 or so allowed in the state while California has thousands.

Although they are not a medicinal cannabis clinic, he said that many recreational users buy it for pain, depression or anxiety.

There are five co-owners, including Jennifer Forsdahl and William Hall.

And they all live and own businesses around Toms River and Lacey.

Frank Guzzi, who also owns Guzzi

2023 academic year alone. Through these meetings, they have reached over 20,000 students, educating them about topics such as internet safety, social media, and bullying.

As the county’s top law enforcement officer, Billhimer has taken his role beyond prosecuting crimes. In a remarkable initiative, he organized a symposium for local police officials to engage in a candid and accelerated discussion about perceived biases in law enforcement interactions. This proactive approach distinguished

Masonry and Paving, said that they are the third store to open in New Jersey. The shop is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

When the state approved the sale of cannabis, every town government in New Jersey had to decide whether they were allowing it within their borders. This took several different options, including medicinal or delivery. Lakehurst and South Toms River, both small towns, were the only ones that agreed to a recreational sale location.

Fighting Stigma

Even though cannabis is now legal for those older than 21, the co-owners said there’s still a stigma they have to break through. Part of that is to be a good neighbor.

“We plan on reinvesting into the com -

Bee Queen:

Continued From Page 1

Environmental Protection Agency. It was given to her by the EPA Chief of Staff, Olivia Glenn, at the Honey Harvest in honor of Pollinator Week at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bee Yard in Cream Ridge.

The Honey Harvest that she organized was a way to show other youth the importance of hive health. There were 18 teenaged 4-H members and their parents from six counties who attended, she said.

munity,” Guzzi said. “We’ve created 50 local jobs.”

There’s also a stigma coming from people who used marijuana before legalization. Some think of stores as “going corporate” or “selling out.”

Only the black market dealers really think that way, the co-owners said. The black market doesn’t understand how having a business that pays taxes and gets product to people legally is a boon to the community.

Part of the challenge comes from multistate operations. These have headquarters outside New Jersey and generally don’t care as much about the towns they are in. It’s like a big box store putting a mom and pop shop out of business.

However, Social Leaf is a group of five local people who have roots in this community and intend to give back for many years to come.

The 4-H members accompanied Chelsea Abegg from Rutgers to the bee lab to learn about different species and hives. They ended the day by extracting honey. They also got to look at pollinators under the microscope.

“I was honored to discuss my science research on Varroa mites and thymol-based essential oils with Secretary of Agriculture, Doug Fisher, Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, and Paul Hlubik from the Department of Agriculture,” she said. “Jeff Burd and Angela Juffey (Bee Queen - See Page 9)

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

E ditorial

How To Make A Downtown Without Apartments

Several of our nearby towns are having trouble defining what their “downtown” really is. Most of them are confined to the few major roads going through them. Route 9, 37, and 70 are the big state roads, and there are county roads that usually have a lot of big businesses, but they’re not really “downtown” because they are usually places you drive through to get where you really want to go.

The definition of “downtown” is vague, but usually it’s a collection of homes and small businesses that create local flavor. It’s a destination. People visit Cape May or Red Bank but it’s too expensive to live there.

The “smart money” builds commercial properties first, and then

What Is Real Bullying?

Editor’s note: This letter is a response to the article “Let’s Drive Away Bullying,” published June 17 in The Berkeley Times.

Bullying is very subjective, which makes it hard to pinpoint unless it’s obvious. Calling someone a

builds apartments over –or near – these commercial areas so that the businesses will have built-in customers. This smart money is really stupid. This isn’t how the world works anymore. You can order something from Amazon or a big box store and have it delivered that day.

Convenience is king, and you can’t get more convenient than never leaving your home. That’s why apartments over commercial establishments aren’t a slam dunk anymore.

What a downtown really needs is businesses next to more businesses.

Our leaders need to zone to create jobs. It’s no secret that the Parkway is packed in the morning as everyone goes to work – because everyone is working somewhere else.

Instead of having apartment buildings, build office space. Entice corporations to move their headquarters in. If you want to build up your town, you have to give your people jobs.

If you have 100 people working downtown, they will be spending more money than 100 people living downtown.

I’ve worked in enough offices to know that workers are dying to find an excuse to take a break. A coffee shop on the first floor of an office complex will do way more business than an apartment complex. Why? Because workers will be stepping out to get coffee all day long. “Hey, boss, I’m going downstairs. You want something?”

If you’re home, you might not go to the elevator, go to the bottom floor, then go to

the corner shop. If you’re working, spending 20-30 minutes out of the office to run an errand is a lot more likely.

People don’t usually go out to lunch, or order lunch, when they’re home. But they do very often when they’re at work.

If you live over a restaurant, you’re going to have bugs and mice getting into your home. That won’t happen as much in an office complex because there aren’t pantries for vermin to infiltrate.

Entertainment is usually part of the “downtown” feel. Theaters, small concert venues and other things to do create jobs and a nightlife. When the office crowd leaves, the night shift comes in. They’re not competing for parking with the people who live there all

Letters To The Editor

name? Eh. Saying unpleasant things to someone? Eh. Both of those things require the “victims” to grow a thicker skin that will enable them to get through life much easier, otherwise you will go through life as a “victim” and never really reach your full potential.

So, what is real bullying?

I would say when someone

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

The Berkeley Time s welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to

edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m.

Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

is constantly harassed by someone or a group of people using harsh words. Hitting or pushing someone? No. That is battery. Making threats of bodily harm? No. Harassment? No. Stalking? No. Mounting an online campaign of harassment? No. All of those things are prohibited by law and the perpetrators of such crimes should be charged as such.

The problem with our schools, as we recently saw at (Central Regional High School), is that they do nothing about it and allow small situations to grow into bigger situations, and let’s be honest here, school administrations are the biggest bullies of all. Ask any parent who has complained what happens to them or their children, or simply wants proper services put in place to better educate them.

That people believe that they can “drive away bul-

the time.

Additionally, if you’re living in an apartment, you’re spending more than $1,600 a month on rent. You’re not going to be a consumer. You don’t have the money to support your local businesses.

Small businesses create wealth. Apartments only create wealth for one person – the owner of the building.

Due to a lawsuit many years ago, every town has to set aside a certain number of affordable housing units every time there’s a development. Towns are assessed using some convoluted formula and told how many units to set aside. Commercial development works into the equation, too. So, if there’s a huge office building, the town’s affordable housing number

would go up and those units would have to be placed somewhere.

That’s why towns need to have truly affordable units. The state’s definition of affordable is laughable, way more expensive than the poor can really afford. Therefore, towns should create one-bedroom homes.

Instead of filling a downtown area with a few businesses and tons of 3-bedroom apartments, consider this instead: Rows of small, accessible, locally-owned small businesses. Throw on a layer or two of offices. Then top it all off with a floor of one-bedroom apartments. That’s how you make a downtown.

Chris Lundy News Editor

lying” is ludicrous. That is never going to happen because it’s built into the human condition. Can we reduce it? Sure. Eradicate it? No.

The best defense is to raise your children to be good people, to be leaders, to do the right thing, to grow a thick skin, and learn to ignore the (expletive deleted) of the world. That’s how you get around bullying, not by playing the victim. Will even good kids do stupid things? Absolutely, but try another course in raising them instead of coddling and helicopter parenting, don’t accept trophies and awards that they didn’t earn, and stop living your life vicariously through your children. Let them live their own lives because they aren’t you and they will never be you and both they and the world will be a better place when they grow into their own selves

without constantly having to live up to the ridiculous expectations of parents who are bitter about not being who they wanted to be because their parents did to them what they are doing to their own kids.

Stanley C. Bayville

The Supreme Court Has A Legitimacy Crisis

Supreme Court decisions impact every facet of American life. Unfortunately, those decisions don’t reflect the will of the people.

Mitch McConnell’s rightwing majority Court gutted voting rights, opened the floodgates to unlimited corporate money in our elections, struck down gun safety laws, and limited

the government’s ability to protect our air and water. Since they overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion has been effectively banned (with extremely limited exceptions) in fourteen states. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans have lost access to abortion care.

This can’t go on. We need to move away from these types of extremely partisan rulings and restore the legitimacy of the Court by passing the Judiciary Act to expand and rebalance the bench.

Congress has changed the size of the Supreme Court seven times already in our nation’s history - and they must do it again to ensure that the justices protect our freedoms, not advance their own radical political agendas. It’s time for Congress to pass the Judiciary Act.

Pamela Talbot Toms River

Bill Would Help Federal Workers Fly With Pets

Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Fly Pet Exception for Traveling Swiftly (PETS) Act, legislation that facilitates easier overseas transport of pets for all U.S. Government (USG) personnel when they are being assigned to a post abroad. Current law requires USG personnel, both military and civilian, to deploy via U.S.-flagged air carriers when traveling on commercial flights with funds provided by the federal government when they receive orders

for a permanent change of station. This law sometimes causes unnecessary, burdensome, and costly logistical hurdles at transit stops, such as additional paperwork, vaccinations, and potential unforeseen days- or weeks-long quarantine for pets. Since many U.S. airlines have sharply reduced pet transport services since 2020, USG personnel with pets are sometimes forced to deploy once with their families on a U.S. carrier and then again, at their own expense, with their pets on a foreign carrier. The Fly PETS Act would remove these burdensome requirements by allowing USG personnel to deploy via a foreign-flagged carrier if they travel with a pet that no U.S.-flagged carrier will

transport.

Senator Booker’s bill shows bicameral support for facilitating safe and swift pet transportation as Congress authorizes legislation for the Departments of State and Defense. A bipartisan version of the bill, H.R. 3384, was introduced by Representatives Dean Phillips (DMN-03) and Mark Green (R-TN-07) in the House last month.

“USG personnel often experience unnecessary barriers when relocating or moving overseas with their families and pets on government orders,” said Sen. Booker.“These challenges add burdensome costs for diplomats and servicemembers and may dissuade some of our most qualified personnel from taking some overseas assignments. The Fly PETS Act is common-sense legislation that will make it easier for all USG personnel

$100M Will Be Spent To Support Boardwalks

TRENTON – The Senate approved legislation to allocate $100 million to support the new Boardwalk Fund program to strengthen the boardwalk infrastructure along the shore and invest in the overall rehabilitation, resilience, and revitalization of the boardwalks in Shore communities.

The bill, S-3989, approved with a vote of 37 - 0 and sent to the Governor, is sponsored by Senator Paul Sarlo, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

“The boardwalks are the lifeblood of many of our Shore communities and the Jersey Shore belongs to all of us,” said

Senator Sarlo. “It is part of the state’s identity and a part of the lives of so many.

The Boardwalk Fund is an ongoing investment that will help local communities reduce the expenses of maintaining their boardwalks, support local businesses and keep the fond memories of our Shore experiences alive.”

The Boardwalk Fund will utilize American Rescue Plan (ARP) COVID State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds which have been dedicated to a wide array of vital economic recovery and revitalization projects across New Jersey.

The application process will be managed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA), which will develop an application process and promulgate criteria for a county or municipality, individually or jointly, to qualify for a grant.

To ensure that the fund addresses the most critical and necessary capital needs along the Shore, funding will be prioritized to shore municipalities which have the highest 50 distress scores on the 2020 Municipal Revitalization Index or make a contribution or expenditure greater than five percent of project costs.

to transport their pets, reducing the stress they and their families experience as they travel abroad to serve our country.”

“For servicemembers stationed overseas, pets provide comfort, stability, and a reminder of home,” said Rep. Phillips. “But overly complicated hurdles slow down diplomats and servicemembers and their pets from getting to their posts. This bill is a commonsense way to improve diplomacy, reduce costs, and remove bureaucratic hurdles so that American diplomats can travel swiftly and efficiently to their posts.”

The Fly PETS Act would also further U.S. foreign policy goals by helping to staff critical overseas assignments with the best USG personnel and will save U.S. taxpayer money by avoiding transit stops that require additional costs and unforeseen delays in travel time.

Sunday Worship Services of Holy Communion at 10 a.m. &Wednesday spoken Holy Communion at 9 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church

The Rev. Dr. J. Francis Watson, Pastor 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759

Phone 732.350.0900 • Fax 732.350.0343

E-mail: christlutheranchurch2@verizon.net

Website: christlutheranwhiting.com

Bee Queen: Continued From Page 5

from NJ Beekeepers Association and Dr. Brian Schilling from Rutgers also accompanied me on the day’s events. Our State Apiarist, Meghan McConnell, and Ashley Kerr from the Farm Bureau also stopped by.”

Culbert and Abegg have another honey harvest for 4-H teens on August 16, which is National Honey Bee Day.

The honey bee population is threatened by climate change and Varroa mites, the leading killer of honey bees. Her ongoing study is to develop a way to predict Colony Collapse Disorder.

The recognition she’s been getting is twofold. Agriculturists appreciate both the scientific method she is using to solve a problem – the decline of hives – and the way she is teaching the public about the problem. She created the 4-H Busy Bees Beekeeping Club.

Recently, she had a 2,500-square-foot pollinator garden installed at Jake’s Branch County Park in Beachwood. It’s

located on the plant discovery trail. Another is outside the nature center. Visitors can see it from inside.

Natalie Duddridge from CBS 2 NY visited the Jakes Branch hives.

“She suited up and accompanied me on a hive inspection,” Culbert said. “We were fortunate enough to find the queen on my first try. It was such an incredible opportunity to talk about and provide some insight into nature’s most important pollinator!”

She also did a live interview at NJ12 studios with Lauren Due about honey bees, the industry, native plants and more.

She’s also spending six weeks at the Research Science Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She will be one of the 100 students invited to MIT for a summer science and engineering program that combines course work with hands-on research.

She encourages interested people to follow her progress on Instagram at KT.Bees and youtube.com/channel/ UC1VTjvnWwdJQMSHG2H18FpA

Ocean Ride Customers Are Target Of New Scam

By Chris Lundy

OCEAN COUNTY – County officials are warning residents who use Ocean Ride that there are scammers calling them to get personal information.

“We want our residents, especially our seniors, to be aware of scam calls that are claiming to be Ocean Ride employees looking for account information,” said Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn, who serves as liaison to the program. “It is important for everyone to remember to never give out personal information at the request of the caller.” Ocean Ride staff will never call about payment of an overdue account, officials said. Additionally, you should never give out credit

7 & UP

card numbers, bank account info or Social Security numbers to anyone over the phone.

If someone is calling you asking for this information, they are most likely taking you for a ride – and not in a good way.

“Unfortunately scammers have developed sophisticated systems that look as if a call is coming from Ocean County when it is not,” said Commissioner Director Joseph H. Vicari.

“If the call does not sound legitimate, trust your instincts and reach out to Ocean Ride directly to verify.”

If you have questions about your billing, you can call Ocean Ride directly at 732-736-8989, ext. 1. For more information, visit co.ocean. nj.us/oc/transportation.

Upcoming Blood Drive At Harrogate

LAKEWOOD – The American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by Harrogate, 400 Locust Street in Lakewood, will be on July 27 from 2 to 7 p.m.

Appointments preferred; call Maria at 732-8057070 or email mpenna@hgate.org. Come give July 17th thru July 31st for an exclusive Shark Week shirt from Discovery, while supplies last!

www.TallwoodsCareCenter.com

Student Wins Essay Contest

OCEAN GATE – Congratulations to Ocean Gate School graduate of 2023, Lily, for winning the Central Regional Education Association’s 6th Grade persuasive essay contest on who or what

Photo courtesy Ocean Gate School inspires her!

“We’re so ‘gator proud’ of Lily and the Class of 2023 for their meaningful essay submissions!” Ocean Gate School wrote.

Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally

OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.

Nature Walks At Double Trouble

BAYVILLE – Join a park naturalist for a 1-to-2-mile nature walk on July 15 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., July 16 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Ages 10 and up. Held sun or very light drizzle. Steady rain or thunder cancels.

No pets. Walk will start outside village restroom building.

Reservations not required – you can just show up. For additional information call 732-341-6662.

Church Youth Group

BAYVILLE – The Living Water Youth Group is for students in grades 6 to 12 and meets every Thursday night from 7 to 8 p.m.

Youth group is designed as a safe environment that challenges students to grow in their faith in practical ways, encourages

them to reach out to their friends, and form friendships within the group that go beyond the walls of the church.

You and your friends won’t want to miss this night of fun! Invite a friend out with you! Living Water Community Church is located at 333 Route 9 Unit b15 in Bayville.

C ommunity n E w S

Summer Concert

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen Amato and Berkeley Recreation would like to thank all who came out and made this year’s first Summer Concert a huge success. The Mayor was there to greet the crowd as well as Council President John Bacchione, Councilwoman So-

Photo courtesy Berkeley Township phia Gingrich and Councilman James Byrnes. Thanks also to Rock ‘N Rhythm And Super Trans AM for a fantastic show.

Be sure to join the next concert on July 19 for Jukebox Legends And The Chicago Tribute Band, Beginnings.

Ready, Set, Move! VBS 2023 Registration

BAYVILLE – Join Living Water Community Church for an exciting five days of Vacation Bible School, July 31 to August 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Free event for kids grades Pre-K to 5. Kids will have an action-packed VBS adventure at Living Water Join us for VBS 2023; Ready, Set, Move!

This is a hands-on, memorable week that will allow kids to grow their faith as they

understand how they can follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere.

This summer at VBS, we are going on an epic adventure to learn to follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere! We’ll learn to do what Jesus says, believe who Jesus is, love who Jesus loves, and share what Jesus did.

Register today at livingwatercma.breezechms.com/form/751fc4995.

Seasonal Lifeguards Needed

PINE BEACH – The Borough of Pine Beach is seeking seasonal lifeguards. The season begins June 17, ends September 4. Must be 16 years or older.

Must be CPR, lifesaving, and open water certified. Call 732-349-6425 for more information and for applications, or visit pinebeachborough.us.

Holiday City Berkeley, Jamaica Boulevard/Barbados Drive, Berkeley Township, Ocean County, New Jersey may have aquatic pesticides applied on or between 12 July 2023 and 11 August 2023 for aquatic vegetation control with ClipperSC (flumioxazin), and/or Aquathol K (endothall), and/ or Tribune (diquat dibromide) and/or CaptainXTR (copper), Cutrine Ultra (copper), Navigate (2,4-D), and/or ProcellaCOR EC (florpyrauxifen-benzl), and/or RenovateMAXG (2,4-D + triclopyr), and/or SonarOne (fluridone) by boat or ground equipment by Princeton Hydro, LLC (NJDEP #97186A), 35 Clark Street, Trenton, NJ 08611. There may be an irrigation/watering restriction for up to 30-45 days following the application of SonarOne, Navigate, and Renovate MAXG. There may be a 3-45 day irrigation/ watering restriction following the application of Tribune and ClipperSC. Upon request, the pesticide applicator or applicator business shall provide a resident with notification at least 12 hours prior to the application, except for Quarantine and Disease Vector Control only, when conditions necessitate pesticide applications sooner than that time. Emergency Information, contact NJ Poison Information and Education System 800-222-1222, National Pesticide Information Center 800-858-7378 for routine health inquiries, information about signs/symptoms of pesticide exposure, Pesticide Control Program 609-984-6666 “This number is for pesticide regulation information, pesticide complaints and health referrals”. Other information contact Tyler, Princeton Hydro, LLC, Senior Field Operations Manager 908-237-5660.

Anthony

Marc

3365

Local Fire Company Receives

Donation

Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church

38th Anniversary Dinner Dance Pasta Fundraiser

Sunday, August 13 2023

Doors Open at 1:15pm Parish Hall • $30.00 - BYOB

Music By: BJ & the Band

Food By: Lenny’s Silverton Market

Let’s get together to celebrate Saint Max & each other!

Dinner Dance and 50/50 raffle tickets on sale

NOW in Parish Office and after Masses!

Visit www.stmaximiliankolbechurch.com for more info.

AREAS OF INTEREST

• Total shoulder arthroplasty (Anatomic and Reverse)

• ACL/PCL reconstruction

• Complex knee ligamentous reconstruction

• Knee cartilage preservation surgery (OATs/MACI/HTO Meniscal Transplant)

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair Shoulder instability (Arthroscopic and open)

• Hip Arthroscopy

• Ankle Arthroscopy

• Robotic total knee arthroplasty

MD & RESIDENCY: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

FELLOWSHIP: New England Baptist Hospital

Photo courtesy Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1

PINE BEACH – The Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1 was recently one of the recipients of a $2,000 donation from Code 3 Outreach (C3O) due to their partnership with Curaleaf.

C3O’s main objective is to raise awareness and education on PTSD for First Respond-

ers and Veterans, while teaching responsible consumption and the alternative healing method of cannabis products. The class associated with donation was extremely informative and it was great to have them stop in to educate on a very under addressed issue faced in this line of service.

Beachwood Officer Receives Recognition Of Excellence Award

BEACHWOOD – On June 22, Officer Michael Batullo, accompanied by Chief DeMarco and Sgt. Dennis Allen attended the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) awards ceremony held at Rutgers University. Officer Baullo received the “Recognition of Excellence” award for his outstanding dedica-

tion and efforts in deterring impaired driving on New Jersey roads and highways in 2022. Officer Batullo continues to make a difference in our community as he diligently patrols the streets of Beachwood and proactively arrests those operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Beach Ball Blast

BERKELEY – Beach Ball Blast will be on July 21 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at John C Bartlett Jr. County Park at Berkeley Island, 399 Brennan Concourse, Berkeley Township. The evening will include a variety of food trucks, vendors, and music by Jimmy

and the Parrots, who were named the best “Trop Rock” band in the country. Bring a beach chair or blanket. Disabled parking on site.

For more information, contact732-506-9090.

Mayor Continues to Promote “See Something - Say Something” Campaign

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr., and Chief Kevin Santucci continue to promote the See Something - Say Something campaign.

“It’s important to remind residents that if they see something suspicious they should report it to the police immediately,” Amato said.

The local campaign will consist of signs placed throughout the town, postings on billboards, web sites, social media and Nixle notification.

“Berkeley Township is 42 square miles with 44,000 residents. Every resident can assist by being the eyes and ears of our community. So if you see something, say something,” said Mayor Amato.

“I have seen this program in other parts of the State. I communicated the idea to Mayor Amato and he immediately embraced it. I want to thank the Mayor for pushing this ahead,” Councilman Byrnes said.

Council President John Bacchione, said

“Many homeowners are aware of what is going on in their neighborhoods. We all know who should be in our neighborhoods and who shouldn’t. If you see someone who looks suspect or a situation that just doesn’t look right, please report it to the police.”

“This will be in addition to the Berkeley Township Police Department “Tip Line”. It should be noted that the tip line has proved positive, as concerned citizens have alerted police which has led to multiple investigations and arrests,” Chief Santucci said.

Residents may either leave their name and address or report the activity anonymously if they feel more secure in doing so.

The “Tip Line” is 732-341-1132 ext. 611 or email: detective@btpdnj.org.

“Remember, if you are witnessing a crime in progress, immediately call 9-1-1 or Berkeley dispatch directly at: 732-3416600,” Council President John Bacchione said.

Beachwood Recreation Commission Seeking Volunteers

BEACHWOOD – Calling all volunteers!

Are you passionate about creating fun-filled experiences for your community? The Recreation Commission needs your help!

Join as a volunteer and make a positive impact on the lives of children, families, and individuals in our town. Whether you enjoy organizing sports events, leading arts and crafts activities, or simply spreading joy through community gatherings, there’s a place for you in the team!

Why volunteer?

• Enhance the quality of life in our community

• Build connections with fellow volunteers and participants

• Develop valuable leadership and teamwork skills

• Gain hands-on experience in event planning and coordination

• Make a difference and leave a lasting legacy

No prior experience? No problem! They welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and ages. Whether you’re a high school student looking to contribute or a retiree with a wealth of knowledge to share, your unique talents and enthusiasm are highly valued.

They are currently looking for both Recreation Commissioners as well as volunteers to help at various events. Ready to join? Here’s how to get involved: email recreation@beachwoodusa.com expressing your interest.

Remember, small actions can have a big impact. Together, we can create unforgettable moments and foster a vibrant community spirit. Spread the word to friends who might be interested, and let’s build a stronger, more joyful community, one volunteer at a time!

Toms

Traveling Pickleball

OCEAN COUNTY – Have you been wanting to give this strange-sounding sport a try but didn’t know where?

This beginner’s workshop will get you playing in no time. The parks department will be traveling to different locations to teach the game which is a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

All equipment will be supplied. Please should wear sneakers and bring a drink. Rain dates cannot be rescheduled.

• Pickleball Courts 5 & 6, “Tip” Seaman County Park, Tuckerton: July 17 to 20 from 10 to 11 a.m.

•Tennis Courts, Pearl Street & Ocean

W Millstream Road Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 609-758-9595

Avenue, Beach Haven: July 24 to 27 from 10 to a.m.

• Pickleball Courts, Veterans Park, Tilton Boulevard off Veterans Boulevard, Berkeley: July 31 to August 3 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

• Pickleball Courts, Magee Avenue & The Bay Front, Lavallette: August 7 to 10 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

• Pickleball Courts 3 &, 4, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood: August 14 to 17 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Cost is $12 per person. Open to adults. To register, visit oceancountyparks.org or call 732-506-9090.

Family Fun Day/Backpack Extravaganza

SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Get ready for a day of fun, games, and excitement at South Toms River Recreation’s Family Fun Day on August 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event is perfect for families with

children of all ages and is sure to provide hours of entertainment. They will be having a craft and vendor fair! Meet STR’s Civic Organizations, First Responders, K-9 Demo and so much more!

$1875

Sound News

Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

Improved Hearing For A Healthy Mind

Did you know that better hearing might be a key to better brain health? A growing body of research ties hearing loss to cognitive-decline problems such as dementia. So, let’s take a look at the connections and the importance of regular hearing care.

Both dementia and hearing loss are on the rise. An estimated 55 million people live with dementia, per the World Health Organization, which predicts the rate will reach 139 million in 2025. Hearing loss, estimated at over 1.5 billion youth and adults worldwide, could climb to over 2.5 billion people by 2050.

Older adults with more severe forms of hearing loss have a significantly higher risk of dementia, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health-led study released this year. Researchers uncovered a 61% greater prevalence of dementia compared to those with normal hearing.

The study adds to ever-increasing reports on links between hearing loss and significant dementia risk. It stands apart from some other investigations by having relied not only on in-clinic data but also homebased information — including testing and interviews — comprising a more nationally representative population across a 65-plus

age group.

Like a rising number of studies, the findings also showed potential benefits of better hearing in curbing the dementia threat. According to the investigators, hearing aid use was associated with a 32% lower prevalence of dementia among those with moderate or severe hearing loss.

It’s not quite conclusive that hearing aids prevent or reverse dementia — future research will continue to probe the issue. But it looks promising. In an online report, the investigation’s lead author stated, “This study refines what we’ve observed about the link between hearing loss and dementia and builds support for public health action to improve hearing care access.”

What can you do? Staying sharp and engaged is easier than you think and starts with regular hearing screenings. Whether your hearing seems to be changing or it’s simply been a while since your last checkup, contact our caring team for an evaluation today!

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always here to answer your important hearing care questions. Please contact us today at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

He can be reached at 732-276-1011 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Living Recovery Group

BAYVILLE – WALK Inc. believes everyone can benefit from a Life Recovery experience because we all have struggles in life, struggles with addictions, food, depression, anxiety, and relationships to name a few. You’ll be encouraged to see how others have found a new way of life with hope for the future through Life Recovery.

Living Recovery Group will be held every Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Living Water Community Church, 333 Rt 9 Unit B15, Bayville.

For More information, call 732-797-0575 or email admin@walkinc.org. To register, visit livingwatercma.breezechms.com/ form/11be24.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin.

Exploring Ozempic And 8 Natural Alternatives For Weight Loss & Blood Sugar Balance

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

You may have been hearing a lot about a pharmaceutical drug called Ozempic and how it works for weight loss. Known generically as semaglutide, it’s prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. This med belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and is given by subcutaneous injection.

GLP-1 is a hormone in everyone’s body that helps to regulate (specifically lower) blood sugar levels. By mimicking the action of GLP-1, semaglutide helps to increase insulin secretion which then reduces glucose production in your liver. In doing so, there is less glucose secreted by the liver, and this helps manage blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.

I am glad that people are waking up to the idea of balancing blood sugar and insulin, and the more complex idea that cravings can be controlled by working on these mechanisms. I talked about this in my book called Diabetes Without Drugs and used my knowledge to formulate a dietary supplement called GlucoScript.

Prescriptions for Ozempic and other diabetes drugs have increased dramatically due to commercials and promotions about its value for weight loss. You can certainly talk to your physician about it.

Aside from medications, I recommend a ketogenic or keto-carnivore diet to help one reduce weight dramatically and quickly. The ketogenic diet will result in greater weight loss compared to the drugs. The trial I reviewed showed about a 10-pound reduction over 30 - 56 weeks for participants taking the drug. Compare that to a keto diet which might

give you a 20-pound weight loss over about 6 months to a year. Naturally, the weight loss achieved is contingent on how many cheats you have.

Now let’s talk about a few natural approaches that some people consider. Many of these herbs are in my GlucoScript which I sell at my vitamin shop.

1. Dietary Changes: A low-carb, no refined sugar diet can only help!

2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a cornerstone of weight management.

3. Cinnamon: It’s not a substitute for blood sugar medication, however some studies suggest it helps. Sprinkle it!

4. Berberine: This herbal has been studied for its potential effects on lowering blood sugar levels and has strong evidence for its use.

5. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Sometimes used for neuropathy, alpha-lipoic acid has also been studied for its benefit to blood sugar.

6. Banaba Leaf: Provides “corosolic acid” which may improve insulin sensitivity, helping you to use blood sugar more effectively. It blocks the absorption of some carbs in the gut leading to a reduction in blood sugar spikes after eating.

7. Holy Basil: Also known as Tulsi, it increases insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity. It reduces cortisol which is a stress hormone associated with weight gain.

8. Resveratrol: It improves insulin sensitivity and activates AMP-activated protein kinase an enzyme that scoops up glucose from the bloodstream.

For a longer version of this article, and more natural remedies that work well, as well as recipes, please visit my website suzycohen.com.

Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2023 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

OCEAN GATE – The Ocean Gate Police Department is accepting resumes/applications for the position of Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) II. SLEOs may eventually be considered for full-time employment when there is a vacancy. Applicants MUST be New Jersey PTC Certified and possess a current, waiverable SLEO II certification from an approved police academy. Minimum qualifications include:

• Must be a citizen of the United States;

• Must be a resident of the State of New Jersey;

• Must be at least 18 years of age;

• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently;

Ocean Gate Police Now Hiring

• Must be sound in body and of good health and be able to perform the physical functions of the duties assigned;

• Must be of good moral character and shall not have been convicted of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude or dishonesty that would make him/her unfit to perform the duties of a police officer;

• A minimum of a high school diploma or a GED equivalent;

• Must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license in good standing.

Potential applicants will be required to submit to the following selection process:

• Application;

• Verification of qualifying credentials;

• Verification of a non-disqualifying criminal history;

• Verification of at least three personal references;

• A review of the applicant’s driving history;

• A review of the applicant’s prior law enforcement experience;

• A review of the applicant’s prior work history;

• A review of the applicant’s current and past credit history;

• Oral interview.

Following a conditional offer of employment,

applicants are required to submit to:

•Physical examination;

•Drug screening;

•Psychological/psychiatric examination.

Successful applicants if hired will then undergo a 6-week Field Training Program. The Borough of Ocean Gate is an equal-opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants can drop off a resume and cover letter in person at Police Headquarters to our Administrative Assistant, Susan Russo during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or resumes can be emailed to Oceangatepdrecruiter@gmail.com.

Should You Appoint Co-Executors In Your Will?

By: Marc S. Galella, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

As I explain to people when discussing estate planning, one of the reasons you do a Last Will and Testament, and possibly the most important reason, is to provide for the orderly disposition of your assets at the time when you pass away.

A common question that is asked when I am preparing an estate plan is whether someone should appoint more than one person to be their executor. In almost all cases my answer is NO. I do not believe that someone should appoint more than one person to be the executor of their estate.

My reason for this is quite simple. If you appoint two persons to be your co-executors it would require that both of those persons agree on all decisions that need to be made in handling your estate and all documents related to your estate would need to be signed by both persons. In the best-case scenario this can be cumbersome. In many cases, the co-executors do not reside in the same town, which would require that the documents that need to be signed have to be mailed to obtain the necessary two signatures. Of course, this additional mailing would translate into additional costs for the estate.

The problem that we have encountered is what happens when the two co-executors cannot agree on how to settle the estate? For example, suppose the estate has a

house that needs to be sold and the co-executors cannot agree on the sales price. Having the co-executors fighting with each other is not the “orderly disposition of your assets.” If the two co-executors cannot agree on various decisions on behalf of the estate, the only recourse available would be for one of them to go to court and ask a judge to remove the other co-executor. In such a case, a judge will have to choose between the “good” co-executor and the “bad” co-executor. Unfortunately, in many of these cases each co-executor will try to present evidence to the court as to why the other co-executor is the “bad” co-executor. In many cases, the judge will conclude that if the two co-executors cannot agree then it is best to remove them both and appoint an independent person to act as the executor for the estate. (Legally this person would be referred to as an administrator CTA.)

Thus, you could wind up with a perfect stranger handling your estate because your two co-executors could not cooperate with each other. Accordingly, I always urge people not to appoint co-executors but rather to choose the individual they think is best capable of acting as the executor and then naming the other person as an alternate executor in the event the first person is incapable of acting.

Marc S. Galella Esq.

around thE JErSEy ShorE

NJ Report Card Released For Hospital Maternity Care

TRENTON – As part of its ongoing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce racial disparities, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) released its annual New Jersey Hospital Maternity Care Report Card today, which showed cesarean delivery rates have continued to drop for all delivery hospitalizations.

The report card outlines key metrics on maternal health care in 2020, using data provided by licensed birthing general acute care hospitals in New Jersey, so that individuals can make informed comparisons. The annual report card includes interactive data on hospital-specific and statewide surgical births, complication rates and severe maternal birth complications.

“When we launched the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan in 2021, one of our many recommendations was to lower the cesarean delivery rate for mothers in our state. It is promising to see this statistic improve and we are incredibly hopeful it is a harbinger of overall improvement in our maternal health outcomes,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “There is still much more to do to ensure that every mother in New Jersey enjoys a healthy and safe pregnancy and birth, particularly our Black and Hispanic mothers, but I remain committed to continuing this work with our dedicated health care professionals and building on these best practices so that we can achieve our goal of making New Jersey the safest, most equitable place in the

nation to deliver and raise a baby.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030 national target for surgical/cesarean birth rates among women considered at low risk for birth complications was 23.6 per 100 live births, and New Jersey’s 2020 rate was near that target at 25.9 per 100 live births. Seventeen out of 49 New Jersey birthing hospitals met that benchmark, which is an improvement over the last report when only 16 of those hospitals met that benchmark and from 2019, which noted 10 hospitals.

Cesarean delivery rates dropped to 32.9 percent of all delivery hospitalizations, a slight decrease of 1 percent from the 2019 rate. These delivery rates have steadily improved since the release of the first New Jersey Report Card of Hospital Maternity Card, which showed cesarean delivery rates at 35.7 percent. However, cesarean deliveries still have higher rates of complications compared to vaginal deliveries per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations, including: obstetric hemorrhage (123.8 cesarean versus 16.1 vaginal); post-admission infections (25.1 cesarean versus 14.5 vaginal); and Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) with transfusion (41.6 cesarean versus 11.7 vaginal).

Disparities continue to persist among Black and Hispanic mothers in New Jersey. Non-Hispanic Black mothers had the highest rate of obstetric hemorrhage with 62.6 per 1,000 delivery (Hospital - See Page 25)

Items For Sale

Thule Kayak Rack - Two Hullavators, $750 each. Two crossbars $150 each. 732-673-7072. (32)

Model Trains - Large collection of American Flyer and HO trains. Call 732-551-5028 - leave message. (32)

Maple Dining Table - With leaf and 6 chairs. 7'x39" with leaf. Good condition. $1,675. 732657-6166, 732-207-7414. (32)

Golf Clubs - Ladies right hand "Taylormade" with bag, $150. 732-232-5843. (31)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEW -

ELRY Looking to buy costume/ estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n)

Vintage Lighters wanted - One piece or entire collections. Looking for Zippo, Dunhill, Ronson, Cartier and European lighters. Email: vintageltr@aol.com or call Ira at 201-774-8482. (28)

Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (30)

Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Reggae, Blues, Jazz. Very Good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-4104. (30)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks

Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (29)

CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)

Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM Records. - R&B, doo wop, soul, early rock & roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call between 8AM and 8PM 909-938-4623. (20)

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Receptionist Part-time, Weekends Magnolia Gardens - Family owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill part-time and weekend receptionist position. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (31)

Certified Aides Full time, Per Diem, Weekends Magnolia GardensFamily owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill nursing, and medical aide positions. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-5576500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (31)

Dietary Aides Full Time, Part Time, Weekends, Magnolia GardensFamily owned and operated Assisted living community looking for Dietary Aides. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (31)

Certified Home Health Aides - Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

Part-Time Custodian For 55+ Community - Experience as a custodian or in a similar role is preferred. Familiar with basic handyman practices. Attention to detail and conscientiousness. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and follow written work orders as directed. Apply in confidence to 732-506-6616. (29)

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

Services Services Services Services

Absolute best home improvements!"Building the shore since 1984" Additions, carpentry, windows & doors, roofing & siding, painting & staining, flooring, kitchens & baths, finished basements, masonry, fencing, custom decks, fully insured, license #13VH11804800. $ave. Call Brien 732-850-5060. (28)

Roofing Repairs Etc. - Roofing, siding, windows. Repairs on small jobs. Utility shed roofs replaced. Prompt service. Insured. Gutters cleaned. Call Joe Wingate 551-804-7391. (26)

ALL American Home Health AidesExperienced experts in the field of trauma and recovery. Holistic approach to healing-nutrition, physical therapy, and quality of life improvements. Hourly or live in. Honest, hardworking, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605. (t/n)

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-791-2033 or visit dorranceinfo.com/micro. (t/n)

Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (19)

Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)

APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations, decks, finished basements and much more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (52)

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience. Call Jim 732-674-3346. (39)

Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n)

Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention. Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n)

Do You Want Your Car To Look

Nice and Shine? - Call Lenny, Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (28)

EXPERT WORKMANSHIP - Carpentry

ESTATE CLEANOUTS -

Properties, Houses, Attics, Garages, Sheds, Storage Units, ect. Handyman Disposal provided 901a Dumpster Service LLC. Licensed, Insured, call or text Jim 609-335-0330. (27)

Learn To Play The - Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums from a NJ State Certified Teacher of instrumental music, in your home! Call 732-3504427 for more information. (33)

Stillwell Services LLC - Handyman services, drain cleaning, camera inspections, bathroom remodeling, sewer repair, leak detection, excavation services. Licensed, insured. 609-346-4243. (32)

GARDEN COACH ASSISTS SEN-

IORS & DIY's - Create & maintain beautiful containers, repotting. Planting design, selection, plant care.

Experienced (Master) Gardener/ Instructor. Joseph 732-232-8144. (29)

Computer Tutoring for Seniors – Retired, “Microsoft Certified” instructor. Very Reasonable rates. Very patient with slow learners. I’ll teach you in the comfort of your home on your computer. I can trouble shoot your slow computer! I also teach iPhone and iPad. I set up new computers at less than half the price the retailers charge. Windows 10 specialist. I can also build a beautiful small business website at a fraction of the going rates. Special Projects always welcome! Tony 732-997-8192. (t/n)

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (28)

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. Call Charlie 732-2163176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. References. Let's Go! (t/n)

R.C. Shea and Associates is seeking to hire a paralegal with civil/commercial litigation experience as well as an administrative assistant. Pay and benefits commensurate with experience. Please call Pam Williams, office manager at (732) 505-1212 or email at pwilliams@rcshea.com (t/n)

Are you bored? Looking for something to do? We are looking for the “Young at Heart”. Be part of the Merri-Makers Ambassador team! Start pay is $15 an hour with guaranteed tips, and a very flexible schedule. For more information contact Jessica at mmhiring@merrimakers.com or call 732-225-0009 (33)

Year round, P/T Assistant ManagerResponsible, reliable person for retail sales. Military experience helpful. Send resume to shorearmynavy@ gmail.com or call 732-597-0388 Must have appointment for interviews. (31)

Micromedia Publications is looking for a high-energy account rep to sell print and online advertising in Ocean County. Competitive base, bonuses & company benefits. Successful applicant should possess good communication skills & a desire to grow with the company.

E-Mail resumes to jallentoff@jersey shoreonline.com. EOE. (t/n)

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-833-901-0309. (t/n)

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com . Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

DIRECTV. New 2-Year Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213 (t/n)

MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (46)

LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000.

(20)

New

Repairs Welcomed. Licensed, Insured. 609-384-9030. (32)

C.B.J. ROOFING - Covering the jersey shore since 1984. All work guaranteed. We will beat ANY legitimate estimate. $ave. Call 732-850-5060. (20)

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-855-634-0529. (t/n)

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Calculate Price As Follows:

3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

Total = $ *In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks.

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS – NO DISCOVER – info. below:

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

5. MAIL TO : PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388. Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

6. Please include your BIlling address and contact phone number (this is required) Address

Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publications)

If you have any questions, please call Ali 732-657-7344 ext. 203.

C rossword p uzzle

F un & G ames S udoku

Across

1 Support that’s of-

ten rigged

5 Role, metaphorically

8 Pair sharing a <3 necklace, probably

12 Instruments in some Gershwin works

15 “I don’t mind __

/ Except as meals. / And the way they feels”: Nash

16 Tabula rasa

18 Joie de vivre

19 Susan who wrote, “The writer’s first job is not to have opinions but to tell the truth”

20 Sources of fleeting joy?

22 “Wrong hand, silly”

26 Active front?

27 Postulant

28 Grace period?

31 “Toodles!”

33 Tree on the Lebanese flag

34 Latin law

35 Place to get high and pass out?

37 Rx writers, often

38 Device that requires spin control

40 Inoculation fluids

41 Literary alter ego

42 Self-consoling sigh

44 Animal in Aboriginal cave paintings

46 Line on a handwriting test

50 One of two tarot card groups

51 Went viral

53 State whose road signs feature 8-Downs

54 Academic term

57 Nice parent

58 Dessert with a high point

59 Son of Hera

60 GRE org.

61 Like a fly ball to the warning track

Down

1 Safari runners

2 Heterogenous union

3 One working with a dictator

4 Perfectly

5 Lacks options

6 Rose up on stage

7 Leaves in a pot

8 Symbol of 53-Across

9 Was awash in euphoria

10 Study aid

11 Three-part fig.

13 Bag

14 Eyelid issue

17 Make dough or bread

21 Earthenware vessel

23 Bags

24 Breeding grounds

(c)2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SolutionS

25 Clipped

28 Wiped out

29 One having a cow?

30 Not well-done in the least

32 Derived from gold

35 Brandon __: Hilary Swank’s “Boys Don’t Cry” role

36 Tiny tech powering Iron Man and Black Panther’s suits

39 Tours of duty

41 Sweet

43 Fox holes

45 “Mine! Mine! Mine!” criers in “Finding Nemo”

47 Small pouches

48 Poetic contraction

49 Polished

52 Get set

53 Actress Thurman

55 Rowing implement?

56 Many times o’er

Crossword puzzle S udoku

around thE JErSEy ShorE

Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Raises More Than $5M

EDISON – Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation raised more than $5 million to support oncology care and services at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center and throughout the Hackensack Meridian Health network at its second annual Network Celebration, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on June 24.

The celebratory event honored Rosemarie “Ro” J. Sorce, the first female chair of the Hackensack Meridian Health Corporation Board and friend of the network, for her extraordinary contributions, generosity and service to Hackensack Meridian Health through the years. Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist, Academy Award-winning actress and Tony and Emmy Award-winning producer, Jennifer Hudson – also the youngest female EGOT winner in history –was the special guest performer. In addition, in true MetLife fashion, a few New York Football Giants were among the crowd.

“We are so grateful for the support for our second annual Network Celebration, which will benefit oncology care, research and services at John Theurer Cancer Center and throughout Hackensack Meridian Health,’’ said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “The event helps us live our mission to transform healthcare in New Jersey and beyond. I was also thrilled to honor the fantastic Ro Sorce for her years of generosity and service to our organization.”

John Theurer Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University, is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a premier cancer center in New Jersey. In less than 25 years, John Theurer Cancer Center has become one of the most rapidly growing and prominent programs nationwide, with more than 1,200 team members collaborating in a highly subspecialized and multidisciplinary environment. More people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care each year than to any other

“Our Network Celebration was a wonderful success, and I was so pleased to be joined by our closest network of supporters in the benefit of oncology care and services at Hackensack Meridian Health while paying tribute to Ro Sorce, our dear friend,” said Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. “Philanthropy has the transformational power to elicit positive change, especially in health care. Proceeds from our event will go far, impacting our patients, their families and friends today and in the future. We are beyond grateful to our leadership, trustees, sponsors, donors and guests for their continued support and dedication to the work that we do.”

“I was delighted to celebrate with our closest supporters and raise funds for oncology at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s Network Celebration at MetLife Stadium,” said Mark D. Schlesinger, M.D., chair, Department of Anesthesiology, Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center and Network Celebration event chair. “It was memorable evening and proceeds will go far in expanding oncology care and services throughout our impressive network.”

The Network Celebration was generously supported by Title Sponsors: Jersey Mike’s, The John Theurer Cancer Center and Physicians of RCCA - Regional Cancer Care Associates and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Diamond Sponsors: Konica Minolta, Caryl and Jim Kourgelis, Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., Raymond James, TeamHealth and Ray Catena Motor Car; and Platinum Sponsors: Joseph M. Sanzari, Inc.; New York Football Giants, Inc.; North Jersey Brain & Spine Center, Hackensack University Medical Center Medical & Dental Staff, and Hackensack University Medical Center Executive Team and Chairs.

To learn more about Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, visit GiveHMH.org. To donate to Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, visit GiveHMH.org/Donate.

Photo courtesy Hackensack Meridian Health facility in New Jersey.

hospitalizations, followed by Hispanic mothers with a rate of 52.5 per 1,000. Non-Hispanic Black mothers also had the highest rate of SMM with transfusion at a rate of 36.5 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations, up from 35.6 in 2019, followed by Hispanic mothers at 25.2 per 1,000. The rate of SMM with transfusion for Non-Hispanic White mothers was the lowest at 15.7 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations.

“Each report card provides invaluable data that will help guide us in our goal to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place to have a baby,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We will also use this data to further inform our efforts to continue to reduce inequities in maternal health care.”

As 2020 was the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report also shows the impact of the virus. Of all hospital deliveries in 2020, 3.8 percent of delivering mothers experienced COVID-19 infections at some point during their pregnancy. Among mothers with COVID-19 infection, more than half (60.1 percent) were positive at the time of delivery (within two days of admission for delivery) as opposed to positive any other time during pregnancy.

Key among the report’s recommendations, in collaboration with the New Jersey Maternal Care Quality Collaborative (NJMCQC), is the need for further research to understand the mechanisms that contribute to obstetric hemorrhage, third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations that occur during vaginal births, post-admission infection, and SMM at the hospital level. Also cited was the need to study and identify modifiable risk factors that

contribute to cesarean deliveries.

The Murphy Administration has been dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes through Nurture NJ.

In January 2021, First Lady Tammy Murphy unveiled the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, with the goal of reducing New Jersey’s maternal mortality by 50 percent over five years and eliminating racial disparities in birth outcomes.

Governor Murphy has signed 43 pieces of maternal and infant health legislation, including measures focusing on family planning, Medicaid, health equity, substance use disorder, and data innovation. Legislation established the report card, the NJMCQC, New Jersey Maternal Mortality Review Committee (NJMMRC), and the New Jersey Maternal Data Center (NJMDC).

This report card is part of the larger NJMDC in NJDOH, which is responsible for developing data collection and submission protocols for maternal mortality, morbidity, and racial and ethnic disparity data from relevant health care facilities in the state; conducting data analyses and developing reports and a public-facing dashboard on the state of maternal health; and disseminating information and analyses to the NJMCQC, the NJMMRC, other relevant stakeholders, and the public.

The ultimate goal of the New Jersey Maternal Data Center is to provide timely data on the state of maternal health in a transparent manner to the public and to help drive changes to improve maternal health outcomes.

To view previous Maternal Health Hospital Report Cards visit: nj.gov/ health/maternal/morbidity/mhh_reportcard.

To learn more about the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, visit NurtureNJ.nj.gov

nursing and rehabilitation center

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC: Treating Everything Below The Knee

By Michael Vandenberg

Dr. Scott Amoss,

DPM, CWS

is a lot more than a “foot doctor,” as people often mistake podiatrists for. In reality, “we provide comprehensive lower extremity care,” he said. So yes, if your foot hurts, Dr. Amoss will be happy to help. However, that barely scratches the surface of all the conditions he sees and the treatments he provides.

Dr. Amoss (pronounced like “famous Amoss”) grew up in nearby Ocean Township and has been connected to the Jersey Shore community and greater New Jersey area his entire life. Originally, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Rutgers and spent a few years in the chemical industry. However, that feeling of wanting to make a difference in people’s lives that drives all physicians caught hold of Dr. Amoss. He liked podiatry in particular because of its ability to help people really quickly. “You can immediately have a positive impact on someone’s life. They come in pain, and can leave virtually pain free.” Scott Amoss became Doctor Scott Amoss when he graduated fourth in his class with numerous honors from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 2000. He then completed a two year residency focusing on orthopedic, vascular, plastic, and reconstructive surgery, in addition to training in internal and emergency medicine, dermatology, and radiology.

After that, Dr. Amoss knew it was time to go out on his own, so he opened Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists in Whiting.

17 years later, the practice is going strong and recently opened a new location in Toms River to be closer to Community Medical Center, where he’s a surgeon on staff. Critically, this new foothold also allows him, as a specialist in diabetic foot care, to help the growing diabetic community in the area.

While expanding served a logistically necessary purpose, Advanced Foot & Ankle has never lost its personal touch. You’ll never just be passed off to whichever doctor is on the clock that day, because Dr. Amoss is proud to be a solo practitioner. “The patients see me and only me,” he said.

“It’s good continuity of care.” His tight-knit support staff of seven ensures that you get the streamlined care you deserve.

That’s crucial in the field of Podiatry because, after all, things can get serious when it comes to Diabetes and foot complications. Luckily, Dr. Amoss is an Amputation Prevention Specialist as well as a Certified Wound Specialist. Less serious conditions like hammertoes, ingrown nails, bunions, and athlete’s foot can be treated in the office, often during your initial visit! “We’re very conservative,” Dr. Amoss assures future patients. “I’m surgically trained but I only like to perform surgery when all other conservative means

have been exhausted. It’s going to be painless.” He makes that possible by developing treatment plans for each specific patient.

Rest assured, Advanced Foot & Ankle is fully equipped to do so as soon as you come in. Both offices have digital X-rays so they can almost instantly see what’s going on and review it with the patient. They also have a diagnostic ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue conditions, as well as a laser for treatment of pain and neuropathy, a painful nerve condition caused by diabetes and other issues. They even offer MicroVas therapy, which gives much needed relief to patients with high levels of diabetic neuropathy, as well as vascular or PAD testing.

In addition to the most cutting edge podiatric technology, Advanced Foot & Ankle has professional-grade consumer products you need for immediate relief. They offer a great selection of diabetic shoes, for example, as well as custom-made orthotics which provide arch support and help correct the

imbalance in patients’ feet. Advanced Foot & Ankle accepts most insurance plans. (Medicare covers one pair of diabetic shoes per year!)

By having strategically-located offices, an experienced and focused staff, and tons of treatment methods and equipment at his disposal, Dr. Amoss is able to easily achieve his goal of getting you fast comfort and relief. When it comes to diseases like melanoma, for example, speed is absolutely critical. The most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma has an especially poor prognosis on the foot because it often goes unnoticed for a long time. Dr. Amoss diagnosed several of these cases last year, which probably saved those patients’ lives.

But sometimes conditions aren’t as complicated as much as some of the larger podiatrist offices try to let on. Dr. Amoss remembers one recent patient who came in after being with one such practice. “These eight doctors had exhausted all treatment options for this individual in pain,” he said. After years of getting the runaround, they told him there was noth -

ing they could do. The patient came limping into Advanced Foot & Ankle with what Dr. Amoss diagnosed in a matter of minutes as a simple corn on the tip of his toe. “We gave him a customized foot pad which helped him tremendously, and by the next day he came in to thank us and tell us how much better he was doing,” Dr. Amoss said. “He couldn’t believe he waited and wasted several years with this other group of doctors.”

At Advanced Foot & Ankle, you’ll get fast and customized treatment from a doctor you can trust. Give them a call today at 732-350-0100 and their very accommodating staff will be able to make an appointment for you with Dr. Amoss right away. And as the “urgent care of the lower extremity,” emergency appointments are also available. Advanced Foot & Ankle is located at 400 Lacey Road in Whiting (in the Stop and Shop Shopping Center) and 601 Route 37 West, Suite 300 in Toms River (in front of the Ocean Eye Institute). Or check out their website AdvFootandAnkle. com for more information.

One of Advanced Foot & Ankle locations is 601 Route 37 West, Suite 300 in Toms River (in front of the Ocean Eye Institute)

One of Advanced Foot & Ankle locations is 601 Route 37 West, 400 Lacey Road in Whiting (in the Stop and Shop Shopping Center)

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of july 15 - july 21

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may be feeling like your every move is being watched or that rules are more stringent right now. You can receive favorable results if you continue to put your best foot forward and remain focused on your current projects.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : Remain optimistic and you can discover the hidden benefits. Numerous opportunities could be waiting for you and might help to create something worthwhile out of what may have once seemed like less useful materials.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may be feeling a need to compromise when it comes to disagreements in order to keep the peace. You could be feeling generous towards loved ones or friends. Try not to take good luck or forgiveness for granted if it comes your way.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Try to avoid getting wrapped up in a new romantic entanglement or a get rich quick venture for now. A less emotionally dependent friendship can help create a calming space even in the face of criticism.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) : You may be bighearted enough to forgive and forget. Debts could be weighing heavily on your mind right now so it could be best to avoid major purchases until you have things more under control. Be careful to not get distracted.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Words can have more impact than you realize. Sharing wisdom and advice is a real responsibility, be sure you are 100% transparent. There could be someone suspicious of your motives right now

so do your best to reassure them when you can.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may be feeling more in tune recently when it comes to your social instincts and ability to create happiness for yourself and others. Be careful to avoid letting someone else alter your viewpoint with their own agenda.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A sense of purpose may accompany you wherever you go. Your friends or family might not share your passionate ambition and determination for success, but it does not mean they do not respect you and love your enthusiasm.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You cannot evade your obligations, but they do not need to be your only priority. There can be more to life than work; remain upbeat and optimistic. Don’t exaggerate your abilities just to impress someone.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Now may be the time to embrace new people and things. Your social circle could expand exponentially if you participate in community activities or group outings. Focus on innovative ideas and concepts rather than emotional intrigue.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may secretly be harboring romantic feelings for a coworker or friend. Try not to mistake friendly or work-based situations for romantic affection. Remain realistic and be sure you are focused on your job or duties.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your mind is a tool that can be used any way you might need. Look for reliable information and hammer out some of the details you may need to refine. Try to avoid misunderstandings with your loved ones or coworkers.

MAKE THE MOST OF RIPE,

JUICY TOMATOES IN THIS DELICIOUS DISH

By America’s Test Kitchen

TOMATO SALAD WITH FETA AND CUMIN -YOGURT DRESSING

Serves 6

4 to 5 large vine-ripened tomatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)

1/2 teaspoon table salt

3 tablespoons plain Greek-style yogurt

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice from 1 lemon

1 small clove garlic, minced or put through garlic press

1 teaspoon ground cumin

3 small scallions, white and green parts, sliced thin

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves

Ground black pepper

1 small chunk feta cheese (about 3 ounces)

1. Core and halve tomatoes, then cut each half into four or five wedges. Toss wedges with salt in a large bowl; let rest until a small pool of liquid accumulates, 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, whisk yogurt, oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, scallions, oregano, and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Pour mixture over tomatoes and accumulated liquid; toss to coat. Set aside to blend flavors, about 5 minutes.

3. Crumble feta over tomatoes; toss to combine. Adjust seasonings and serve immediately.

(For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2023 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

(c) 2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.